907. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total number of art works currently in the State collection; the process of selection for new works; and the number of art works currently on public display. [59855/26]

The Office of Public Works has responsibility for two distinct art collections. The contemporary collection (OPW State Art Collection) managed by the Art Management Office, and the Heritage Services collection (OPW Heritage Services Collection) managed by National Historic Properties.

The State Art Collection is located in over 500 public buildings throughout the country. The total number of artworks in the State Art Collection is 13,989 (as at 31/08/2026). There are currently 11,726 on display in State owned locations. Artworks that are not on display currently generally fall into one of the following categories: They are awaiting conservation or framing; in storage available for client selection, or in the process of being moved to a new location.

The OPW provides Government Departments with artworks for display in their properties from the State Art Collection. This collection is managed and maintained by the OPW’s Art Management Office. It is a diverse collection of artworks, representative of a wide range of artistic media by numerous artists at different stages in their careers. It is a working collection with over 80 per cent of artworks on display in public buildings.

The OPW State Art Collection is a working art collection. The majority of works of art in the collection are by contemporary Irish artists. The collection includes paintings, drawings, original prints, watercolours, sculpture, textiles, and photographs as well as commissioned arts projects.

There are two key qualitative criteria applied to commissions and acquisitions: artistic integrity and technical excellence. These criteria apply across art forms. Other factors vary and may include context, relevance, display environment and geographical location. The OPW commissions and acquires works by artists at different stages in their careers, from recent graduates to established artists.

Artworks are selected by the Head of Art Management and the Collection Management team. Artworks are purchased mainly from exhibitions, galleries, graduate shows, artists’ collectives and studios.

The presence of art in work environments and the public realm brings art into the everyday lives of people who visit and work in these spaces. By encouraging people to engage with contemporary art, it is the OPW’s intention to implement Government initiatives that support the arts in Ireland.

The OPW Art Management Office ensures that all artworks acquired for the OPW State Art Collection meet the criteria of the Collection Policy. Decisions to purchase artworks are further informed by the following considerations: The work of local artists is considered when purchasing for State buildings. A survey of what is available from local galleries and artists will be undertaken by the Art Adviser, or one of the Collection Management team, who may consult with the local Arts Officer, where necessary.

The range of media for acquisition may be restricted by environmental conditions (e.g. light levels, technical requirements for display, etc.). Historic paintings for or with a connection to a specific location are purchased where circumstances arise and where funding is available, following consultation with OPW heritage sections or external client Departments. Works by artists at early stages of their careers, including recent graduates, are considered and acquired.

The Heritage Services Historic collections are located in the National Historic Properties and National Monuments managed by OPW. Of the total 5,213 OPW owned artworks in the Heritage Services Historic Collections: 1,818 are on display; 2,065 botanical artworks in the Botanic Gardens Collections Library are not on display to the public and are held in secure, staff controlled / environmentally controlled areas of the Library i.e. the Art Room and Rare Books Room. These rooms provide the necessary environmental conditions in terms of temperature, humidity and light for optimum preservation / conservation of these pieces. This is necessary in order to preserve these valuable collections, many of which are over 100 years old, fragile and many unframed. It should be noted that these collections can be viewed on an appointment basis by contacting the Library.

Currently there are upgrade works taking place in Damer House and Emo Court, and during these upgrade works the artworks were put into storage for protection with many artworks going for conservation.

At Farmleigh House, many artworks are on display in the bedrooms which are not open to the public.